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stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
I've been googling lately, and just wondered if there is a "gigmaster's" type service for those who want to center their services on church and other Christian organizations. I'm not opposed to an occasional b'day party or family-centered event, but I feel I am called into a ministry, with entertainment being the means to an end. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Anyone know of a decent internet source that children's ministers, pastors, etc. use when searching for a local entertainer?
Steve |
Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
It's called "word of mouth" and God opening doors...
Coming from a pastor's perspective, I would not go to the internet to look for someone to come to my church to minister unless it was someone listed on our denominations web site. When it comes to ministry, it's best you know a little bit about that person coming to minister or trust the recommendation of someone else. When I was doing Kids Krusades full time I would be booked out for 2 years...thanks to the help of the Lord and word of mouth. As I said in a previous post, a business card in the hands of God can keep you very busy. |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
In Canada, there was the FECW. They had Canadian members as well as some American ones. They would mail directories to churches, and had a directory-style website later on. I did get a couple of shows through them. You weren't paying for a membership... you were paying for group advertising.
Later on, the website went through some problems. I'm not sure if the person running FECW decided it wasn't worth the effort of not, or whether they were just trying to determine a direction. From what I see now of the online directory, it isn't what it once was, and I don't know how effective it is (how much it is used by potential customers). The history is posted on the new website (see earlier link). FECW stood for the Fellowship of Evangelical Children's Workers. In addition to word of mouth, I've also done phone calls and direct mail to get church shows, and I've encouraged repeat business. If you don't have a lot of word of mouth working for you yet, be sure to include lots of testimonials in your marketing (naturally, testimonials from other churches, if you are marketing to churches). - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
Starting off at my home church was a very good place for me. Word got out, and I began to perform for other churches, church events, and christian organizations. Most of the time people would ask me if I would be willing to contact so and so who expressed interrest in what I do, sometimes others would contact me directly.
I perform Gospel Magic on a part-time basis only, and although there are many great and creative ways to get your name out there, I personally believe that having a home church which will support you and your ministry to be extremely important.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
Stempleton: I think you are on to something. An online directory for Gospel magicians would really be handy for those who search the net for local Gospel magicians. Another good place to advertise yourself is in the Sheppard Guide. Not sure if the christian publication is in the States as well, but it's basically a christian buisness guide that is distributed for free. I personally think that social networking with other churches gets you out there best, but I'm not a marketing guru.(lol)
God will open doors for you. And if you think all doors have been shut, look for an open window of opportunity.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Be sure to track what works for you personally.
For example, I tried a listing / ad in The Shepherd's Guide a few years ago with no results. I have also tried advertising in the local Christian newspaper with limited results (mostly, what it did was stir up trouble). I believe that we are supposed to be wise stewards with our resources, including money, time, etc. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
Very good point Donald. I've never advertised in the Shepherd's Guide before, and was just meant as an example. Social networking with other christians has been my best sourse. Word of mouth is gold to someone elses ears.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
You can't tell a man's heart from a listing on some site. That's why word of mouth is important...
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Heres Tony Loyal user Orlando 259 Posts |
Like Gospel Dan said, I started with my home church and the word of mouth took it from there.
Tony Brent |
Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
Yeah, but you only made it to the top rated entertainment show in Orlando...
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MagicMikeMartin New user 61 Posts |
Darren with the Creative Art store....may be someone you would consider. http://www.creativeartstore.com/
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Heres Tony Loyal user Orlando 259 Posts |
I will try harder next time!
BTW, Darren and his Creative Arts Store is located here in Orlando. Check him out online. |
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